An art collection isn’t just an investment, it brings benefits in more ways than one, by transforming and brightening your space, inspiring you and igniting your own creativity, sparking interesting conversations and insights, helping you empathize with others, and contributing to your own well being. (Research by neurobiologist Semir Zeki, for instance, found that looking at things which we consider to be beautiful helps stimulate the “feel good” centre of the brain.)
If your collection includes local art, you can also feel good knowing you’re supporting the local economy and the work of talented, hard-working creatives in your community. St. Michael’s Printshop (SMP) offers the opportunity to do just that through their biggest fundraiser of the year.
Through the SMP Print Subscription, subscribers pay $500 (plus tax) and in return, they receive four prints (in total) from four artists throughout the year (in March, June, September and November). Each print is 11” x 15” and they’re not made or sold outside of the fundraiser. SMP have capped the number of subscribers at 20, meaning these prints are truly limited edition. The fundraiser also contains a surprise factor, as subscribers won’t know what their prints looks like until they receive them.
Besides giving art lovers the chance to grow their local art collection, the SMP Print Subscription provides the opportunity to support the St. John’s-based, artist-run print studio, as well as the work of local artists. Each of the artists taking part receives an honorarium and supplies from SMP, regardless of how many subscriptions are sold. The artists participating in this year’s fundraiser are Jerry Evans, Anita Singh, Shazia Ahmad (SMP’s Don Wright Scholar) and Sharon Puddester. (Please note: The images shown in this post are examples of the artists’ work, and not the prints that subscribers will receive.)
“It is good if you want to start a collection…we always try and have a mix of two emerging artists and two later-stage career artists to kind of give (people) a mix of content,” says Christeen Francis, Executive Director of St. Michael’s Printshop.
This is the second year for the SMP Print Subscription and Francis says the inaugural fundraiser was a success, reaching the maximum number of 20 subscribers. The money raised helps SMP subsidize their operations and programming, and assist those who may have trouble covering full rental fees.
While the ongoing pandemic has raised hurdles for many arts organizations, groups like SMP are doing what they can to keep the community engaged, inspired and connected in a safe way.
“We’re always trying to get more people into the shop, but now is kind of a tricky time,” Francis says.
“We are doing some online programming right now…like online open studios. Check us out on social media for those details. It’s on Zoom and it’s so chill.”
SMP’s next online open studio takes place on January 27 from 6-8pm. The event is free and all are welcome. Click here for details.
Keep up with St. Michael’s Printshop on Facebook and Instagram.
